R is for Rotwyrms

Magic in the Old World is dangerous. For those targeted and for those wielding the power of the Winds. Especially for those wielding the power. 

This errant or intentional use of the Winds may produce Rotwyrms.  Rotwyrms seem to be reported by wizards of the Jade and Amethyst winds. Some reports say that those wielding magic dealing with flesh, such as dark wizards of the Ruinous god Slaanesh or necromancers summon Rotwyrms as a counter spell. Empire wizards employed on the battlefield have encountered Rotwyrms emerging from the bodies of dead allies or enemies due to a faulty casting. In all reports, it may simply be the presence of dead flesh.

Rotwyrms are not of this world. They possess the ability to pass through shield or armor, consuming metal, wood, and cloth with a singular goal: to consume the living flesh of their summoner. Wizards encountering Rotwyrms may suddenly turn from the battlefield in terror. Allies near a battlefield wizard have testified in court-martials of retreating wizards:

“We saw nothing to fight, though the wizard pointed to and fro at the ground begging for ‘dem' to be cut or smashed. I started hacking the ground, your grace, and he just would scream ‘You missed it, fools!'. Me' boys and I stopped at some point and stared as the wizard collapsed screaming.

“He woke up, you see, later. The battle over. Carried him away on a stretcher they did. I think he was possessed. We stayed away from him after that."

Editor's Note

In games, the referee is given many tools to ramp up the drama of a miscast spell or a spell found in a forbidden tome but employed anyway. The Rotwyrms are one such “mental" tool for the player's character to deal with and can “spice" up the role play. Always these tools should be rewarded for good table theatrics.



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